When it comes to organising that eagerly anticipated end of year bash, there’s no group that looks forward to it more than the hard working teachers of the land! It’s the much anticipated chance to toast the year’s successes and finally breathe after that crazy final month of reports, plays, tours and sack races. Finally the day comes to let the hair down, literally, and bid farewell to the little devils for the long awaited summer holidays!

Thing is, finding the right venue that accommodates the early evening start along with the right price tag (these end of year parties are a self-funded event) that can also successfully cater for a group of worn out wise owls dying to go twit twooo (until the bodies completely give out!) isn’t the easiet task. After much research and deliberation, I’ve shortlisted my top 10 collection of Gold and Silver Star options for the 2016/2017 school year which might help take some pressure off the social committee!

School’s out (almost!) and here are some great party ideas for a teachers night out in Dublin.

1. BYOB

Ahhh the sweet sound of BYOB … a welcome phrase to any hard working public servant! Dublin is still emergent in the developmental stages when it comes to BYO, but some places have most certainly earned their gold star and progressed to the sophisticated stage!

Top of the class is Cavern Wine Bar on Upper Baggot Street. Nestled cosily in the basement of Baggot Street Wines, this quaint venue offers not only the option to bring your own botte from their bottle shop upstairs, but also a fabulous atmospheric space, super friendly staff and great deals on tapas with the option of a Prosecco reception for larger groups – and all under €30! To top this off, it’s ideally situated on the doorstep to plenty more hot spots to keep your dancing shoes tapping as long as they’ll last!

My second gold star option for a superb night out is Fallon and Byrne on Exchequer Street. It’s pretty hard to fault this Dublin landmark and one can understand why when they offer an amazing three course pre theatre menu between 5.30 and 7pm for €30 in a beautiful building, with one of the best wine lists in town and excellent staff to boot – add another tenner for all your thirsty múinteoirí and you’ve got yourself a wine reception in one of the many neighbouring bars e.g. Ferrier & Draper. Again, ideally located in the centre of town with ample after party options nearby.

2. Cheap n Cheerful

Not quite deserving of a star sticker but still something to consider for the PE enthusiasts and those who prefer a much more casual option. The Stilorgan Leisureplex do a super deal on a student night BYO bowling for €12 a head on Fridays from 9pm to midnight. With McDonalds across the road or the Orchard for an afterschool feed followed by Bolands for a boogie. Who says the teachers can’t can’t party with the students!

3. Private & Cool

A high Silver Star rating goes to this little gem. Platform 61 offers a great menu with an even sweeter price tag at just €25 for 3 courses and a €20 offer on house wine! Now that’s what we like to hear. Set in the intimate surroundings of a converted cellar on South William Street, this chic hideaway gives you the private space you need for the end of year presentations, speeches thank yous and rowdy escapes that undoubtedly unfold. They also have the option to avail of a welcome reception of their signature cocktail (peach puree with prosecco and topped with champagne foam); on which they offer a 30% discount. What more do you need!

4. $$ Pricey & Pretty $$

For those who’ve been savvy enough to keep the piggy bank topped up throughout the year, or, happen have a very generous PTA 😉 here’s a nice option for some fancy frolics just south of the city…

Mulberry Gardens in Donnybrook offer a fabulous outdoor space albeit with a not-so-fab price tag. However, if you feel like splashing out, this is a sure winner. This chic & classy space with it’s beautiful garden is ideal for a large group gathering in the June sunshine. One can avail of the entire venue at a no-room-hire cost and they can cater for a group up to 80 (minimum 30) with a truly unique set menu at €49 per person or their signature tasting menu for €75. They do require a deposit of €400 however, but, a small whip around during those fond Croke park hours should cover this. They also accommodate any additional requirements you may have such as live music for a seisiún ceoil or a dj in order to tailor the evening to your own specifications. Live music can be played until 12:30am while the bar also stays open until 12:30am. With easy access to Leggs or Coppers – whichever takes your fancy after the witching hour, it’s a safe bet for your school bash!

5. Coláiste na Hipstéirí …

The Drury Buildingsin the city centre offer a private loft-style space on the second floor of their popular hipster haunt. The room itself is minimalist in décor yet totally on trend and has its own private entrance which is managed by a doorman. Evening room hire comes at a hefty price tag of €350 which also includes a fully trained mixologist/ bartender, and waiter to maintain the floor area for you. There is a music system available with speakers which you can attach your own playlist to via a mp3 player /iPod /laptop if you so wish. A projector is also available with all the necessary attachments for pc and Mac laptops. A set menu of canapés and drinks is available at a cost of €46 per person or alternatively one can avail of one of the following options; Choose 5 canapes @ €15 per person, 4 @ €13 per person or 3 @ €11 per person.

Hope article on Party Ideas for Teachers in Dublin helps all our teacher friends out there! If you have any more to suggest please share them in the comments below or email us hello@thebash.co

Check out these amazing photos from the Downton Abbey Experience for these lovely ladies last week! I think the pictures show how much fun this quirky and different hen party activity is. The dream for the Downton Abbey Obsessed Bride! It lasts 3 hours with an hour and a half of playing games and then a gorgeous afternoon tea spread. The Downton Abbey Hen Party Experience costs €50pp and is available to book via Bash here.

Whether your workplace is seeking to promote teamwork, improve staff morale, or just reward everybody with a fun day out, group activities are the perfect way to get colleagues mingling. No matter if you’re city slickers or outdoor enthusiasts, or if you want to be pushed out of your comfort zone, there is a perfect team-building activity out there to suit all ages and abilities.

1. Escape rooms

Few situations will encourage your team to cooperate and brainstorm than being trapped in a room and having to work together to solve puzzles to escape. Adventure Rooms in Dublin and Great Escape Rooms in Galway offer fun and innovative games for groups in quirky settings that will really sharpen those communication skills!

2. Outdoor activities

The most popular team building activities take place in the great outdoors with tasks like raft-building, climbing and orienteering among the most tried and tested. Outdoor adventure companies all across the country can tailor packages to suit your group from puzzles to competitive challenges, and even zorbing, coasteering or tubing for the more adventurous.

3. On the farm

For groups who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, Causey Farm in Co Meath provides corporate packages that include tasks like sheep herding, cow-milking and breadmaking. Time to get out of the boardroom, swap your suit for wellies and overalls and have some fun on the farm!

4. Support a good cause

Corporate volunteering is gaining popularity in Ireland and it’s easy to see why. Working together for a worthy cause that helps others is a lovely way for groups of colleagues to connect. Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency helps to link companies with volunteering opportunities.

5. Sail away

Have fun on the water with your workmates while learning some sailing skills in the pretty harbour of Dun Laoghaire. The Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School offers bespoke outings and packages for corporate groups. Sailing also helps to build team spirit as cooperation, dedication and decision-making are essential on the high seas!

6. Away from it all

Being trapped on a remote island with your colleagues may sound like the stuff of nightmares, but Clare Island Adventures will make sure that everyone has the time of their lives. The stunning Clare Island off Clew Bay in Mayo overlooks some of the most scenic coastal views in the country. Get back to basics with comfortable shared dorms and enjoy delicious seafood and a well-deserved drink in Sailor’s Bar after an energetic day of activities.

7. Rev your engines

Get in the driving seat and race around the track trying to beat your boss. Go Karting is a welcome change from crawling along the M50 during the daily commute! Put the pedal to the metal and take on thrilling hairpin bends while indulging your competitive streak.

Getting crafty with your gal pals has never been more fun. Around Ireland there are fun workshops popping up from learning the art of graffiti to making your very own silver ring. Some even include prosecco and food so you can keep all happy. Here are 5 ideas for cool craft workshops in Ireland. These are perfect for activities to do with friends on a hen party or an excuse for sunday funday.

Teaming crafting with cocktails sounds like a super fun session to us, especially when it’s BYO cocktails! What does this mean we hear you ask? BYO cocktails are when you bring your own alcohol (so vodka, gin, rum, whiskey – whatever your tipple) and your very own cocktails are mixed for you by some cool and very skilled mixologists. This means that everyone gets to drink their preferred drink. The crafting option is up to you. You can decorate knickers or a garter OR make some fun headwear. This cool activity (very apt for your hen party) is available in Dublin. Check out more details here. You can also skip the crafting and just go for the BYO cocktails!

Here you get to make your very own ring! Design and sculpt your own unique ring from jewellers wax and enjoy a tasty lunch with prosecco. At the end of the class, you can choose to have your ring professionally finished and posted to you. You can choose silver or upgrade to gold if you prefer. The Carve Workshops can take place in Tribeton in Galway city or within 200kms of Galway. Grace covers Dublin so it’s a great option for a hen party or for a group of ladies who want to do something different. You can contact and book with Grace directly on Bash.

Flower crown making is the ultimate boho chic hen party activity. Enjoy an afternoon making a crown of gorgeous, seasonal wildflowers. Sophie is based in Sligo but her workshops can take place all over the country. Sophie is an amazing horticulturalist and can even decorate your venue to make it really special. Workshops in Sligo can be held in a funky cafe or a sleek art gallery. Homemade treats are included and groups are welcome to bring their own beverages. Later on, wear your handmade creations for a bohemian-themed night on the town! You can enquire with Sophie directly on Bash here.

This definitely on the list for the alternative or badass bride! This cool and quirky workshop by All Out Design takes place in a funky warehouse studio in Dublin where you can learn the art of graffiti. Street art experts will show you how to create a graffiti tag, how to spraypaint a stencil and finally how to create your very own graffiti piece. Your group will enjoy a glass of prosecco along with excellent pizza to enjoy while you admire your creations. Very cool.

Collars come in and out of fashion but are always stylish. Create an on-trend accessory that you can wear again and again in this unique Dublin based workshop that will teach you how to make and decorate a Peter Pan collar. Develop your dressmaking skills by making a wool felt collar from scratch using a pattern. All materials are supplied and you can bring your own Prosecco to enjoy while you sew. Find out more here.

Spring is in the air and there’s a bank holiday on the way. The Easter weekend is the perfect time to catch up with friends while getting out and about to make the most of the milder weather. From vintage tea parties to strolls along the coast, we have your ideal laid back day trip right here! Here are 7 ideas for fun with friends this Easter.

1. Time for tea

Climb aboard the Vintage Tea Tours bus and see the sights of Dublin while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. On the quirky vintage tea bus, you’ll take a step back in time and experience Dublin in a unique way. Climb on board, snuggle up and allow the team to treat you to a little bit of nostalgia whilst you take in the sights, enjoying their renowned Afternoon Tea delicacies, good conversation and tap along to some fabulous 1950’s jazz. Book your vintage tea tour here.

2. Wheely good fun

The best way to get out and enjoy the spring sunshine is on two wheels. So book a city bike tour or check out the impressive Greenway cycle routes in Mayo, Westmeath or Waterford. You can check out the options here. If you feel like trying something new and a little less strenuous, see Segway Adventures for a range of fun segway tours and activities in Dublin, Galway or Wicklow.

3. Pamper package

A luxurious day spa package is always a lovely treat. Relax with a facial or massage and chat over lunch in the opulent surroundings of one of Ireland’s top spa hotels. For such a small country we’re spoiled for choice! Some of our favourites include the Rainforest Spa in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, the Seafield in Wexford, the Europe in Killarney, ESPA at the G in Galway, the Lyrath in Kilkenny, or Castlemartyr in Cork.

4. Tourist for a day

Have fun seeing a different side of your own country by booking a tour – don’t worry, they’re not all about historical facts and figures if that doesn’t float your boat! Pop on a helmet and become a rowdy warrior with the infamous Viking Splash Tours, or check out a Dublin ghost tour if you’re feeling brave. The Irish Food Trail, Fab Food Trails or the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl are other great options.

5. Ladies of the manor

Dream of stumbling upon Mr D’Arcy as you stroll around the immaculate grounds of a stately home. Ireland is dotted with stunning period properties on sprawling estates, such as Powerscourt in Wicklow, Wells House and Gardens in Wexford, Muckross House in Kerry, Birr Castle in Offaly and Fota House and Gardens in Cork.

6. Culture and coffee

If the forecast is looking a bit grey, head indoors to soak up some culture. Most museums and galleries also house excellent cafés to lunch in after you’ve finished perusing the displays. Hatch and Sons at the Little Museum of Dublin, Ard Bia at Nimmos across from the Galway Museum, and Zest Café at the Limerick City Gallery of Art are top of the list.

7. Take a hike

Pack a picnic (and maybe a hip flask!) and head for the hills. The Bray to Greystones coastal walk is always fab, as is Glendalough, or try one of the many forest parks such as Curraghchase in Limerick. Check out www.irishtrails.ie to plan your route.